Inherited Disorders and Birth Defects

46 y chromosome

09/22/2006

Question:

What if the 46 y chromosome is too little? What if part of it was deleted, or translocated? What diseases would that mean for the baby? I understood that it can be problem for the male baby, but not for the female baby-is it true?

Answer:

From your question about the Y chromosome, it is difficult to say what exactly what that means for the baby.

Humans have 46 chromosomes. Of those, two chromosomes are the sex chromosomes - females have 2 X`s and males have an X and Y. There are only a small number of genes that have been mapped to the Y chromosome - but some of those play a critical role in male development. Depending on what part of the Y chromosome is missing (deleted) or if part of the Y chromosome has been translocated to another chromosome - there may be no associated problems or there could be problems with normal development, abnormalities of the genitalia or infertility, etc.

Because only males have a Y chromosome, this would not affect females.

If you have specific questions about this problem, I would recommend that you talk to a geneticist or genetic counselor. The genetics team could provide you with specific information based on the exact Y chromosome abnormality seen. You can ask your doctor for a referral or contact the website below to locate a genetics center near you.

Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More)